The FCC has certified four new handsets from LG with the model numbers of LG-M150, LG-M151, LG-M153 and LG-M154. Based on the diagram that accompanied the FCC documentation, the phone will carry a single rear-facing camera; with the FCC label placed inside the battery compartment, it would appear that the cell will be replaceable. The four new model numbers certified by the FCC could each represent one of the four new K (2017) series handsets that LG is reportedly going to introduce at CES next month. Those handsets are believed to include: LG K10 2017 - 5.3-inch HD screen, 5 MP wide-angle front-facing camera, 2.5D glass (slightly curved) on front and back, and fingerprint reader LG K8 2017 - 5-inch HD screen, 13 MP rear camera, 5 MP front-facing camera, and a 2500 mAh battery LG K4 2017 - 4.7-inch screen, 8 MP rear camera, 5 MP front-facing camera, and a 2500 mAh battery LG K3 2017 - 4.5-inch screen, 5 MP rear camera, 2 MP front-facing camera, and a 2100 mAh battery The CES opens on January 5th next month, and closes on January 8th.

Samsung's near monopoly on OLED display supplies might be challenged a year from now, as Apple, Google and Microsoft are reportedly partnering with LG on the production of flexible OLED panels. While Apple's name comes as no surprise here, as it is heavily rumored to introduce an OLED iPhone 8 next year, and is trying to diversify its screen suppliers, the fact that Google and Microsoft may be in the mix raises some eyebrows. As per the source of this rumor, Google is interested in flexible OLEDs for future iterations of its Pixels, while Microsoft is actually shopping for Surface line ideas. In any case, there are three powerful potential customers with money and enthusiasm to burn, so LG is said to take the opportunity, and be ready for mass production by 2018. The other important tip here is that those LG flexible displays are meant to be used into foldable devices, with a mechanism that keeps the screen stretched over the outer surface. Samsung has been developing such panels for a while now, allowing the OLEDs to bend numerous times without picture deterioration at the folding area, but it's the first time we are hearing LG might be up to something similar. In any case, it seems that we will be encountering much more unorthodox shapes and forms in phones going forward, which can only benefit the end users, if done right. Needless to say, LG Display has denied commenting on its future customers.

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) received its Bluetooth certification last month, and was certified by the FCC earlier this month. Today it has received its Wi-Fi certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance. The model number is SM-A720X. With Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi certified, there is talk that the phone could be unveiled sometime later this month. Meanwhile, the SM-A720F, which is the international version of the handset, was spotted on Indian import-export site Zauba a number of times. The latest rumored specs include a 5.5-inch or 5.7-inch screen with a 1080 x 1920 resolution. Powering the phone will be the Samsung Exynos 7880 SoC containing an octa-core 1.8GHz CPU and a Mali-T860 MP4 GPU. 3GB of RAM is inside along with 32GB of native storage. Both the back-facing and front-facing cameras will weigh in at 16MP, and Android 6.0.1 will be pre-installed. With an IP68 certification rating, the device will be able to withstand getting submerged to a depth of five-feet for as long as 30 minutes. The Galaxy A7 (2017) will be equipped with a Type-C USB port. We expect to see the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) unveiled at the same times as the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) and the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017). The smaller Galaxy A3 (2017), with its 4.7-inch screen offering a 720 x 1280 resolution, already received its Wi-Fi certification last month. The Galaxy A5 (2017) and its 5.2-inch 1080 x 1920 resolution display, has received certification for both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Although previous rumors suggested Huawei might start updating the P9 and Mate 8 to Android 7.0 Nougat operating system in early 2017, it appears that the Chinese handset maker decided to rush things up a bit.

We're now getting reports from China that the Android 7.0 Nougat update is now live for both the Huawei P9 and Mate 8. These are not just beta builds pushed to a small number of users, it's the real deal and it's rolled out to all users.

Unfortunately, Huawei's Android update roadmap leaked a while ago might have gotten one thing right, as the update is limited to China for not.

There's a high chance that Huawei won't widen the availability of Android 7.0 Nougat in other countries this year, so P9 and Mate 8 users worldwide might enjoy the advantages of the new update starting early 2017.

However, if you're located in China, you want to look for firmware version B352 if you own the Huawei P9, and firmware version B552 in case you're rocking a Mate 8.

Those who installed beta Android builds should rest easy as they will receive the Android 7.0 Nougat update as well, though the firmware versions will be different: B363 (Huawei P9) and B562 (Huawei Mate 8).

So, there you have it folks, it looks like Huawei P9 and Mate 8 users in China are already getting the update, while the rest of world might have to wait until early 2017.

Update: a few more Galaxy A-series 2017 slides have been sent our way, adding real images of the phones, as well as filling out details that confirm a new glass design, IP68 waterproofing for all, and 3000 mAh, 3300 mAh, and 3500 mAh battery capacities, respectively. Also, judging from the date on the Always-on display, release may come January 2nd.

Seven, Galaxy A7 '17 - that should be the promo invite of Samsung's upcoming alpha midranger. Last year, Samsung unveiled its A-series crop in December, and, judging from the recent deluge of certifications for the eventual Galaxy A7 (2017), it might out the new models in a week or two, which would be about a year after the A7 2016 model.

If you don't grow, you shrink. That seems to be Apple's mentality, as the company is reportedly looking forward to opening a new flagship store in Washington D.C.'s Carnegie Library. The Washington Business Journal reports that the local convention and sports authority has agreed to let Apple proceed with its plans, which include renovating the 113-year old building.

The company will work in tandem with Foster + Partners of London in redesigning the 63,000 square feet of space, possibly borrowing ideas from central Apple stores in London, California, and San Francisco. The design company is the one behind the aforementioned outlets, notable for elements like giant video screens, glass windows, and gathering places.

Apple's London store at Regent Street is also situated inside a historic building, and the company has been given a preservation award for its sensitive repurposing of historic properties, which means Apple knows how to handle the Carnegie Library's time-tested look and build. It will eventually become the company's second store in the District, the first one being in Georgetown.

The deal will be considered this Thursday. It's not known when Apple will be able to begin the renovation, and there's no schedule for the store's eventual opening.

Apple often sits on the sidelines regarding a new and unproven technology, and when it matures enough, it decides that it's good enough to be applied on a grand scale. Case in point is the OLED screen tech, and grand scale in Apple's case might mean that up to 70 million such panels might be needed for a premium iPhone 8 modelwith curved display next year

5 Jet and Glossy Black alternatives to the iPhone 7

Everyone wants the Jet Black versions of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Units are sold out worldwide and Apple still struggles to catch up with the high demand. In the meantime, Samsung is looking to fill the niche and is about to release its own shiny black version of the Galaxy S7 edge. All eyes are on the two giants battling for the glossy black supremacy this winter, as people eagerly wait for the opportunity to wipe fingerprints off their phones' glass backs every five seconds.

But we here at PhoneArena began to wonder, aren't there any other glossy black options? Of course there are. So, in case you're not too keen on waiting for an iPhone 7 Plus or the new glossy Galaxy S7 edge, here are some alternatives that you can buy right now.

2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, and it could be a huge year for Apple in terms of sales, obviously thanks to the much anticipated iPhone 8. 

According to famous KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (known for his accurate predictions when it comes to all things Apple), iPhone suppliers are getting ready to produce between 120 and 150 million new handsets in the second half of fiscal year 2017 (for Apple, this means March - September 2017).

As previously reported, no less than three iPhone 8 models are expected to debut next year. Alongside direct successors to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (which should sport screens of 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches, respectively), a third model with a curved OLED screen of around 5.2 inches could hit the market in 2017. As mentioned yesterday, Apple is seemingly testing more than 10 iPhone 8 prototypes, and still has time to decided what models to release.

If Apple sells more than 120 million iPhone 8 units, this will become the company's best selling handset series to date, surpassing the iPhone 6 in popularity.

Ming-Chi Kuo notes that the high demand for iPhone 8 models will likely be driven by the new curved OLED screen, as well as by wireless charging. Interestingly, right now, it's said that only the 4.7-inch iPhone 8 may feature wireless charging (in addition to a "glass casing"). If a recent rumor is to be believed, Apple's wireless charging technology could be like no other out there, allowing the iPhone 8 to be charged even if it's up to 15 feet away from its transmitter. Of course, it remains to be seen if there's any truth to this.

On the heels of Kirin 960's debut last month, new rumors are suggesting that Huawei is already working on a next generation processor. Predictably dubbed the Kirin 970, the new chip will reportedly be a big leap in terms of performance from the 960, which was built on the FinFET 16 nm process just like the Kirin 950.

The Kirin 970 is said to be an octa-core chip built on the 10 nm process and will reportedly support global LTE. Huawei's decision to switch to the 10nm process for its next-gen silicon may have been spurned by recent announcements from Qualcomm and Samsung whose next processors, the Snapdragon 835 and the Exynos 8895, will be built on Samsung's new 10 nm process and be able to fit 30 percent more transistors than current 14 nm offerings.

There is no info yet regarding Kirin 970's debut, but it will likely power Huawei's 2017 high-end flagships and come out in time to compete with 10nm offerings from Samsung, Qualcomm, and MediaTek.